ONE in nine rented homes are blighted with infestations of mice and cockroach, a shock new report has revealed.

Almost half a million properties in the UK have been affected by animal infestations in the last 12 months, with ants and rats among the reported problems.

The alarming prevalence of creepy crawlies in the private rental sector is laid bare in a study by housing charity Shelter.

The poll of over 3,700 private renters revealed that bad living conditions are rife in rented homes, with almost half of people (49 per cent) complaining of problems with poor conditions in the last year.

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It found over a third of private renters lived in a property with damp or mould (34 per cent), over a fifth suffered with poor insulation and excess cold (22 per cent), and electrical hazards were reported by 11 per cent of renters.

The south-east, east of England and West Midlands are the worst affected regions, with the East Midlands and the north of England faring best.

The charity's Nadeem Khan said: "Every day at Shelter, we speak to people desperate for help after being forced to live in appalling conditions for months on end.

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Half of people surveyed complained of problems with poor housing conditions

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A cat with a mouse in its mouth

"Some of the housing horrors we hear are truly shocking - from people who are forced to live in flats crawling with fleas or rats or with water pouring out of the toilet waste pipe, to those who've been through the ordeal of a fire in their home caused by faulty wiring.

"No-one should have to live in a home which is unsanitary or unsafe, and that's why it's crucial to know your rights as a renter."

Pest experts at Rentokil say the best way to prevent pests from seeking refuge in your home is to clean away food.

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Pest controller David Cross said: "It's essential to ensure that wherever possible rubbish is stored in a strong bin with a lid and it is large enough to prevent the waste from overflowing.

"Dirty and messy areas will attract many different types of pests so it's best to keep clutter to a minimum.

"Where possible, objects, such as furniture should be moved away from the walls for cleaning. Unwanted items should be disposed of quickly and edible waste bagged and binned immediately and stored in a suitable location ready for collection.

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An ant

"Building defects such as damp or damage can encourage different pests by providing them with the necessary environment required for survival, or providing them with safe access to wall cavities for shelter.

"Timely, remedial repairs will go a long way to prevent pests becoming established."

Those living in sub-standard housing can seek free advice from Shelter by calling 0808 800 4444.

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